Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of M.M. Wilson.

IPSWICH BOY GAINS RUSSIAN STAR

Flight-Lieutenant Alex Wilson, a native of Ipswich, has had a distinguished career as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and for service in Russia has been awarded the Russian Star.  He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. M.M. Wilson. Born at Booval he attended the Bundamba State School until his family left for Canada.  Alex obtained a position with the Norther Electric Company Ltd. and rse to be service supervisor at the Vernon Branch.  After joining the R.C.A.F. and qualifying as an observer, he did costal  patrol duty in Scotlad for some time.  He was included in a Canadian squadron sent to Russia to fly alongside the Russian Air Force.  His squadron was principally engaged in the protection of convoys carrying war supplies to our Russian Ally.  For four months  Flight-Lieut. Wilson fought against the Nazis on the Russian front, and was awarded the Russian Star.  Members of the Canadian squadron, to which he was attached, have a high regard for the russian airmen, whom they described as among the world's great fighters.  The comradeship that develeoped betewwn members of the squadron and the Russians was very close, and one of the Canadians is quoted as saying to the Press in an official release:  "They actuaally kissed s and begged us to return some day."  Flight-Lieutenant Wilson at present is stationed at Gibraltar.  He is a nephew of Mr. John Hanson, Glebe-road, East Ipswich.  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114561688 (nla.gov.au)